Former Australian Rugby Star Trent Merrin has been arrested for stealing AUD $140,000 worth of cryptocurrency using deceptive means. Merrin, who is a renowned former forward known for his stints with the Kangaroos, New South Wales Blues, and NRL clubs…Former Australian Rugby Star Trent Merrin has been arrested for stealing AUD $140,000 worth of cryptocurrency using deceptive means. Merrin, who is a renowned former forward known for his stints with the Kangaroos, New South Wales Blues, and NRL clubs…

Former NRL star Trent Merrin arrested over alleged $140K crypto theft in Australia

Former Australian Rugby Star Trent Merrin has been arrested for stealing AUD $140,000 worth of cryptocurrency using deceptive means.

Summary
  • Former NRL star Trent Merrin has been charged with allegedly stealing crypto using deceptive means.
  • Police seized multiple electronic devices during a raid.
  • Australia has intensified its crackdown on crypto-related crime and tightened digital asset regulations.

Merrin, who is a renowned former forward known for his stints with the Kangaroos, New South Wales Blues, and NRL clubs like the Dragons and Panthers, was arrested and charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception, according to a local media report published on Nov. 4.

After a year-long investigation, police found that Merrin allegedly accessed and transferred funds from a 29-year-old man’s crypto wallet without authorization, using deceptive tactics to carry out the theft. However, the authorities have not disclosed the exact details of how the event unfolded or what the relationship was between the involved parties.

Police managed to seize several electronic devices during a raid on his Barrack Point residence, which are now undergoing forensic examination to support the ongoing inquiry.

Merrin, who retired from professional rugby league in 2021 after a 15-year career, describes himself as a “dedicated entrepreneur and investor with a passion for crypto, blockchain, and the health and wellness industry” on LinkedIn.

He has been released on conditional bail and will appear before Port Kembla Local Court on Dec. 3, the report added.

Australia takes a stand against crypto-related fraud

Merrin’s arrest comes as Australia has intensified its crackdown on cryptocurrency-linked crimes after flagging this booming sector as a major threat to its financial system.

Last year, the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre classified cryptocurrency as a “high” risk factor in its national money laundering risk assessment, and roughly a year later, the agency said it would launch enforcement actions against digital currency exchanges and virtual asset service providers facilitating illicit flows.

In February this year, the financial intelligence agency launched a widespread compliance sweep against more than 50 cryptocurrency service providers and took action against 13 of them by revoking or suspending registrations.

Crypto ATMs have also come under the Australian government’s crosshairs, after authorities found they were increasingly being used in scams and illicit financial transfers. To counter this, the government last month granted AUSTRAC new powers to regulate crypto ATMs, which have exploded in number across the country.

Regulators have also tightened the crypto licensing framework by introducing draft legislation that would mandate digital asset platforms to obtain an Australian Financial Services Licence and face steep penalties of up to 10% of annual turnover for violations.

Market Opportunity
Starpower Logo
Starpower Price(STAR)
$0.0947
$0.0947$0.0947
-2.09%
USD
Starpower (STAR) Live Price Chart
Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact [email protected] for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

Trust Wallet issues security alert: It will never ask users for their mnemonic phrase or private key.

Trust Wallet issues security alert: It will never ask users for their mnemonic phrase or private key.

PANews reported on January 17 that Trust Wallet issued a security warning on its X platform, stating that it will never ask users for their mnemonic phrases or
Share
PANews2026/01/17 21:10
Crypto Market Cap Edges Up 2% as Bitcoin Approaches $118K After Fed Rate Trim

Crypto Market Cap Edges Up 2% as Bitcoin Approaches $118K After Fed Rate Trim

The global crypto market cap rose 2% to $4.2 trillion on Thursday, lifted by Bitcoin’s steady climb toward $118,000 after the Fed delivered its first interest rate cut of the year. Gains were measured, however, as investors weighed the central bank’s cautious tone on future policy moves. Bitcoin last traded 1% higher at $117,426. Ether rose 2.8% to $4,609. XRP also gained, rising 2.9% to $3.10. Fed Chair Jerome Powell described Wednesday’s quarter-point reduction as a risk-management step, stressing that policymakers were in no hurry to speed up the easing cycle. His comments dampened expectations of more aggressive cuts, limiting enthusiasm across risk assets. Traders Anticipated Fed Rate Trim, Leaving Little Room for Surprise Rally The Federal Open Market Committee voted 11-to-1 to lower the benchmark lending rate to a range of 4.00% to 4.25%. The sole dissent came from newly appointed governor Stephen Miran, who pushed for a half-point cut. Traders were largely prepared for the move. Futures markets tracked by the CME FedWatch tool had assigned a 96% probability to a 25 basis point cut, making the decision widely anticipated. That advance positioning meant much of the potential boost was already priced in, creating what analysts described as a “buy the rumour, sell the news” environment. Fed Rate Decision Creates Conditions for Crypto, But Traders Still Hold Back Andrew Forson, president of DeFi Technologies, said lower borrowing costs would eventually steer more money toward digital assets. “A lower cost of capital indicates more capital flows into the digital assets space because the risk hurdle rate for money is lower,” he noted. He added that staking products and blockchain projects could become attractive alternatives to traditional bonds, offering both yield and appreciation. Despite the cut, crypto markets remained calm. Open interest in Bitcoin futures held steady and no major liquidation cascades followed the Fed’s decision. Analysts pointed to Powell’s language and upcoming economic data as the key factors for traders before building larger positions. Powell’s Caution Tempers Immediate Impact of Fed Rate Move on Crypto Markets History also suggests crypto rallies after rate cuts often take time. When the Fed eased in Dec. 2024, Bitcoin briefly surged 5% cent before consolidating, with sustained gains arriving only weeks later. This time, market watchers are bracing for a similar pattern. Powell’s insistence on caution, combined with uncertainty around inflation and growth, has kept short-term volatility muted even as sentiment for risk assets improves. BitMine’s Tom Lee this week predicted that Bitcoin and Ether could deliver “monster gains” in the next three months if the Fed continues on an easing path. His view echoes broader expectations that liquidity-sensitive assets will outperform once the cycle gathers pace. For now, the crypto sector has digested the Fed’s move with restraint. Traders remain focused on signals from the central bank’s October meeting to determine whether Wednesday’s step marks the beginning of a broader policy shift or just a one-off adjustment
Share
CryptoNews2025/09/18 13:14
Trust Wallet Alerts Users After Security Incident

Trust Wallet Alerts Users After Security Incident

The post Trust Wallet Alerts Users After Security Incident appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Key Points: Trust Wallet issues alert after $7 million theft from
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2026/01/17 21:43